19 days after tummy tuck, belly seems to be getting worse. Is this normal? (photo)

Question

Four days in i was very happy with my Tummy tuck, about 8 days I felt like my tummy was going to explode it was so tight, the fluid started coming out for the incision. I feel much better today at 19 but now my stomach likes like its forming a new over hang. I have an appt with my plastic surgeon on 5/16.

Bao L. Phan, MD · Answer

Hi, Daniela.  This is an issue that is definitely best to bring up to your plastic surgeon who knows you best and who would be able to examine you to determine the next course of action.  Just from your story and the pics you submitted, though, it appears you probably developed a seroma during your post op recovery period.  Seromas are just collections of fluid that tend to accumulate in areas of extensive dissection and elevation of skin flaps and subsequent development of new tissue planes and "dead space", of which tummy tucks create the largest.  This is the reason why we place drains under the skin flaps and have patients wear abdominal binders.  If the drains are removed to soon, or if you don't wear the binder consistently enough, or if you are too active and do too much too soon you would be more likely to develop it.  It can inhibit healing as well as become infected.  Small amounts can usually be absorbed by your body with more compression with the binder.  Larger amounts may require aspiration with a needle under local anesthesia.  More significantly sized seromas may require re- opening of the incision in the OR to adequately drain it (and drain left in place).  Sometimes an ultrasound or CT scan guided placement of a drain may be employed.  Don't feel too bad though as it is one of the most common complications after a tummy tuck.  One of the techniques I like to use to minimize the risks for seromas is to employ progressive tension sutures (almost like quilting sutures) to secure the abdominal skin flap down to the abdominal wall to obliterate the dead space.  This also allows us to remove the drains in much less time as well as to allow us to give your six packs more definition.  It takes more time to place these sutures but is so well worth it.  Best wishes.

Kevin Dieffenbach, MD · Answer

Aloha and sorry to hear you are having problems after your surgery.It's a little confusing trying to follow the timeline from your photos, but it appears that you had drains which have been removed? If so, you may be developing a seroma, or fluid collection, beneath the skin.You may want to try to see your surgeon before 5/16 to address this.Mahalo and Best Wishes, Dr D

19 days after tummy tuck, belly seems to be getting worse. Is this normal? (photo)

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19 days after tummy tuck, belly seems to be getting worse. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.